Portland State University Athletics

Javier Ruiz joined the Viking tennis program as a volunteer assistant coach in July of 2022. He enters his third season with the Vikings in 2025.

Ruiz is a native of Mexico, where he played tennis during his early years, becoming a top junior player. He participated in international tournaments, including the Orange Bowl and the Sunshine Cup in Florida, where he represented Mexico. Also, as a junior, Ruiz played the South American circuit COSAT and various tournaments in Central America. He was ranked top 10 professionally in Mexico and achieved an ATP ranking of 985 in singles and 938 in doubles.

Ruiz was a four-time tennis All-American in college. He helped lead McLennan College to a National Championship, winning his singles and doubles flights. Ruiz finished his career at the University of Incarnate Word, where he won the NAIA doubles national championship and the Rolex Superbowl Small College Championship in doubles the same year. 

After receiving his degree in International Business from Incarnate Word,  Ruiz spent the next ten years working for Nike in Mexico as the National Sports Marketing Manager. He later moved to Brazil to work for Red Bull as the Country Sports Marketing Manager.

Ruiz left his corporate career to pursue his dream of coaching young athletes. As a coach, he has traveled with players to ITF Future tournaments in Brazil, Greece, and Mexico. He was the head tennis coach at the University TEC in Mexico, leading them to a National Championship while at the helm. Ruiz has spent the last few years as a tennis instructor at Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) in Beaverton. 

Ruiz currently resides in Beaverton with his wife of ten years, Leticia.